This book investigates the background of the Bible, not only re-telling the classic stories but looking at the latest archeological evidence to provide a thoroughly up-to-date account.

A breathtaking flight over the great historical sites of the Holy Land with an explanation of their rich historical, biblical, and cultural significance.

.".. maps of the Holy Land from a 6th century mosaic from Jordan ... to maps of the recent past"--Jacket.

This account of holy sites and mysterious ruins aims to capture the spirit of the places themselves. It explains their myths and legends and shows their continuing importance down the ages. Part One examines over 100 key sites and shows how they came to be regarded as sacred and their subsequent history. The sites are divided geographically into sections, such as Africa and the Middle East, Europe and Australia, and the Pacific. Each of these areas is introduced by a hand-drawn map showing all of the sites described and other areas of interest, such as ancient burial grounds, temples and natural sites. Part Two is a map-based gazetteer of over 1000 sacred sites. The sites are plotted over 20 maps, which are then followed by listings giving information about each holy place. The maps show the location of each site and the period in which it was built or used.